By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: Eminent members of civil society on Wednesday raised their voice against harassment of innocent Muslim youths at the hand of police on fake terror charges. Several Muslims who have borne the brunt of the harassment were also present during the function held at Press Club in Lucknow.
The foremost case was related to Shaukat, a teacher and resident of Pratapgarh. In his story he apprised the media that he is facing questioning from ATS of UP Police repeatedly for past several years. Due to this he has become suspicious even in the eyes of his fellows and students. Shaukat stated that his daughter is suffering from cerebral palsy while his brother has lost his mental balance due to the harassment by ATS sleuths.
The story narrated by Shaukat moved many of those present at the programme.
Former IPS S M Naseem rose to console him and candidly admitted that security agencies round up innocent people on fake charges just to win laurels, awards and promotion. “They just want accolades from their bosses and can go to any extent,” said Naseem.
Former V-C Lucknow University, Prof Roop Rekha Verma openly stated that action of the security forces is aimed at a specific group. “They are branding a specific group (Muslims) as terrorists. They are targetting them for weeding out corruption. It is highly objectionable on part of security forces to indulge in such activity which is ruining the lives of innocent people,” she said.
Lashing out at the security forces Prof Roop Rekha Verma remarked: “It is a pity that the security forces are not laying their hands on the mastermind and the perpetrators of these criminal acts. They are just nabbing innocent Muslim youths and thus ruining their life and their whole family. It is due to this pick and choose policy that the menace of terrorism is not being eradicated.”
Former IPS officer S R Darapuri also addressed the gathering and raised the issue of conviction of Seema Azad.
Advocate Mohd Shoeb who is fighting the cases of many Muslim youths who are facing terror charges explained the factual position about many cases. He also highlighted the miseries of those who are only accused but still are seen with suspicion in the whole society thus ending their whole career.
The activists in unison demanded compensation for such cases and also stated that the officials who are behind such acts and have unleashed a reign of harassment on innocent people should be punished.